With all the pomp, circumstance and ceremony fit for a proper Royal WeddingParty, White Stoledid what it always does to celebrate Romantic Milestones by bringing together the chicest of Seattle models’ silhouettes with the luxe of silk, satin, lace and fine china, from old to new, to capture the times we live in.

No matter the era, the best Couture Creations, and the gifted Photographers who have captured their allure, have always layered multiple elements and meanings into their work. To that end, White Stole’s luxurious photoshoot brought their Creative Universe to celebrate the time-honored Bridal Rehearsal Dinner in the most Royal-fashioned way – with a high-fashion Tea Party!

This modern twist on the traditional Bridal Rehearsal Dinner was the brainchild of Stylist, Curator and Producer Roberta Nasserand her WhiteStoleCouture Collection as a Bridal Tea Party happening set in the old-world elegance of the Mayflower Park Hotel in Seattle, Washington on March 11, 2018 in anticipation of the upcoming Royal Wedding between an American woman, Meghan Markle, and a British gentleman, Prince Harry.

​Being high-season around the world again for a Royal Wedding, White Stole created this collaborative event to span both the fashion and the wedding industries in Seattle, WA, taking a fresh look at this theme from a truly 'American' and 'Seattle' viewpoint.

Watch our blogfor more Live Coverage of our photoshoot's celebration of the Royal Wedding Day!

A Bride with Glamour can make any fashion Glamorous.…whether she is a beautiful woman in flowing, designer Wedding Wear, or a Vintage 50's, 60's or 70’s FurStole over an antique, crystal-beaded Sweetheart Ball Gown. Most of us can remember the time, pre-branding, pre-papparazzi, when fashion meant freedom. Where no one felt they “had” to follow any rules, and could wear their skirts cut-up to “there” or down to the floor, layered with embellishments of their choice - whether scarves, fur, feathers, leather, chiffon, headbands or bracelets.

For White Stole’s Brides, that time has returned! Modern Brides today have an unerring eye for heritage and vintage treasures. Whether planning on wearing their hair in a bun or flowing down their backs, today’s Brides are looking beyond what they can afford to locating that “special Chic” accessory to grace their walk into their future. It may be something hand-laced, hand-beaded, hand-cut or sewn. Whatever it is, in the era of mega, vanilla-looking Bridal Wear, their dream veers far from the bland towards fresh images that will evoke memories from all the traditions that have come before them.

Bridal fashion is much like a good photo from your memory book: Once you’ve experienced it, you always associate it with your moments of love and happiness. Brides today are looking to their accessories, in particular, as a way to bring memories to their photos to look back-upon during their journey called Life.

Walking to the beat of your own fashion-heart is all about “your own” pumpkin pie recipe, not Grandma’s!There are times when abiding by a tried-and-true recipe is critical – like when trying to not make a souffle flop. But when you are approaching the most important day of your life, we all know deep in our heart that abiding too strictly to fashion “codes” simply drops the exquisite fun and personality from our taste buds. Not to mention making for less than delicious moments!

And, in an era when the Bridal Market is fueled by emerging mega, online, vanilla-looking shopping, ChicBridal Shoppers roll with an exclusive entourage of Couture Salons and Online Vendors like White Stole, who help them alter a recipe to bring fresh, new images and memories from all styles and traditions to their Wedding Day’s photo album!

Thankfully, all it takes is a little creativity…and yes, nerve… to steer from convention to elevate yourself to the level of the celebratory dining table! So here are a few ideas that should propel you to break free of any fashion “rules” you might think exist…and look totally stylish on your Thanksgiving Wedding Day!

These photos of a White Stole Bridal Party mixed-and-matched 5 Stoles from White Stole’s brown and blue-tipped, long-haired ivory "Ultra-Luxe" Stole Collection over the Attendants' rich purple dresses with the dark-brown-tipped "Ultra-Luxe Passionate" Stole for the Bride over her Vintage Wedding Gown. The result White Stole calls ﻿the﻿New Royal in Vintage Weddings!View﻿White Stole’s﻿entire collection for size color ranges of Stoles, Stole Wraps, Vintage Stoles, StoleCapesand Shawls for purchase, or rental, on our website.

Perhaps the only thing harder than finding True Lovefor the rest of your life is deciding “when” to Tie-The-Knot when you've found it! So, our stylists have gone the distance to help you accept his proposal…and remind you of everything you need to plan a fall extravaganza that you and your betrothed will be laughing-at-convention-over for as long as you both shall live!

First, considering that fashion’s ever-evolving trend to mix classic lines and elegant silhouettes with more casual textiles, patterns, and color palettes continues season, after season, collection after collection on the runways, allow us to remind you that Autumnal Nuptials come ready to stun with a supply of green foliage, and cornucopia of rustic accents to create a perfectly rich, deep-hued, romantic quality that will make any photoshoot a“Garden of Earthly Delights”when set against burgundy, gold or white florals. Embrace the rustic ambiance of the season with lush centerpieces that incorporate the seasonal bounty, ruby-colored candles, and pumpkin-spiced cocktails!

Next, and perhaps the most alluring part for any White Stole Bride, is to consider how to cover her shoulders while still letting some skin peek through. Our Brides feel grateful that the cooler temps allow her and her Wedding Party to choose from a full range of Bridal Wraps– from Silk to Cashmere blends to Vintage Stoles! She is thrilled at the realization that she won’t have to bribe her Bridesmaids to dress in head-to-toe pastel, and instead can think “elegance” and steer their choices to jewel-toned, velvet or embellished gowns – long or short sleeve, off one-shoulder or both – along with eye-poppingBridal Wrapsthat do double-duty in chasing-away the evening chill while also making it possible for them to wear them together not-only once….but every time they reunite from This-Day-Forward!

Here are a few of White Stole’s favorite FallWedding Wrapphotoshoot selections that will have you flowing to the altar before the first wisp of snow!

We have seen them on last year’s runways, but again in 2014 the world’s top Bridal Collections are truly outstanding with their renewed emphasis on elegance…and theStole: irreplaceable for the Bride who wants to feel like a fairy Princess on her “I do” day.

Reserved for true dreamers, this“Must-Have”accessory gives a royal touch to the wedding - a Princessly allure that each of us look for on the big day. An elegant detail, light and sinuous, capable of enchanting a Bride’s guests during her triumphant walk down the aisle. Short or long, the Stole is present in all variations, Silk Chiffon, Silk Satin, Silk Cashmere, Silk Twill, Silk Tulle, Silk Lace,in white, pastel, black or bold colors, floral and graphic patterns fastened with or without the adornment of a broach. Extremely light, theSilk Chiffon Stole, in particular, lends an elegant touch that gives fluency to the bride’s every movement unlike any other fabric or accessory - whether draped over neck, shoulder or arm, or tied in the back and draped forward over the shoulders. For the Modern Bride, the sky’s the limit on her style choices ofSilk Stoles!

Even more sophisticated, is the Silk Stole with ﻿Lace Embroidered﻿patterning, or in the form of a Vintage Tulle. The Stole becomes an essential accessory for every respectable bride, useful to hide necklines, and, when the time is right, reveal them and enjoy the party. Truly infinite are the combinations of materials for those who are always chilly and love sheer covering over a strapless gown as they move from church to reception or dining room, or across a ballroom floor. From the sheerest Chiffon to Silk-Cashmere blends to Tulles that give soft volume and silhouette, the Stole’stransparence and delicacy enriches the shoulders with grace and elegance.

It is well- known that the details in your wedding accessories make the difference! Viva La Difference~!

As summer winds-down, and we begin to exit the sunny season of beach, garden and ranch weddings, White Stole turns all eyes to our Urban Brides.

City Weddings are the ideal environment to channel any season’s graphic trend, and our stylists at White Stole advise you to direct yourself to the black and white palette, and to keep the pattern focused to your theme or ideology - in this case, a statement that says “We are Tieing the Knot!”

A romantic dress is set-alight with the subtle interest of a periwinkle blue geometric ribbon print Silk Bridal Wrap that spells “Tieing-Up-Our-Love for a Lifetime.” Adding drama with either a sheer graphic on black, or a vintage appliqué on antique white Silk Stole Wrap equally brings any length of dress to new heights, along with adding sheer cover against fall’s crisp day or evening chill.

If you will be tieing your knot even later in the Fall Season, adding a natural Vintage Stole "Capelet" Wrap is truly an elegant way to carry you through the afternoon-to-evening festivities of a brisk fall day. Adding the interest of an intricate heel, a satin silk clutch, wristlet or hairpiece, and finishing with a navy smoky eye and chandelier earrings with any of these choices spells City-Elegance!

In the nuptial spirit, White Stole has compiled a collection of quintessential Brid﻿eand Guest-﻿of-the-Bride Silk Wraps we encourage you to take to heart....and shoulder…as these are the Wraps you’ll want to never take off! Treating your Silk Wrapas the new neutral that it is, this accessory is one that goes with everything - especially now as mixed prints are back in high-style.

Whether you are going to aCountry, Garden, City, Glam or Island Resort Wedding, if you are in need of a luxe bauble that will serve as a ‘Thank You’Gift for your bride or bridesmaids, look no further than the chic, luxury-approved curation White Stole has spent hours putting together for you.

The unexpected set of Italian hand silk-screened, inspired colors and designs in the White Stole Silk "Gift" Stole Wrap Collectionwill rock any bride and her bridesmaids past the ceremony and on into her lifetime. We have picked the perfect presents for your bridesmaids or best-friend that will be cherished - and used - forever!

It goes without saying that your wedding gown is a reflection of your style. But where is it a written rule that your Wedding Gown and Accessorieshave to be entirely ivory, antique white or optic white? At White Stole, we love the old adage “rules are meant to be broken“ - especially when it comes to Wedding Dresses and their Accessories!

Although we love a classic strand of pearls, we flock like moths to light towards out-of-the-box Accessories and accessory trends. Since your wedding day will be the most photographed event of your life, we wish for you to be absolutely sure that you dress exactly how you dream of feeling on your perfect day.

You can be both ClassicandOne-Of-A-Kindby wearing metallic champagne, a pale soft hue in gray, beige or blue, a pretty blush pink - and as many already have, red or black - with the perfect Luxe Accessory to compliment. Women who wear black and ivory in it's many shades with dazzling Accessories are simply stunning! In fact, these colors are preferred in a cocktail or tea-length for casual weddings.

While a Stole Wrap is usually rectangular, offering more width and length, the"Sophisticated Lace Dream" Cape Shawl is more square in shape, offering extra width for a fuller, more extravagant envelope of the silhouette. In all settings, Cape Shawl Wraps are used today to keep warm, for added fashion to complement attire, and for symbolic reasons at outdoor or indoor evening affairs where the temperature is not warm enough for women in sheer or off-shoulder dresses and where a jacket is inappropriate.

White Stole’s photoshoot of the"Sophisticated Lace Dream" Cape Shawl by Valentino in magnetic black embroidered lace on beige Silk Twill is a stunning example of the lush look of color set against a minimal ivory or black gown, making the view maximally exquisite!

As a summer day dips into twilight in our more temperate climates, the chill in the air beckons after sundown for anEvening Stole Wrap that will offer light covering and warmth, yet still be suitable for wedding gala festivities where a jacket would certainly not.

Those of us who run more warm-blooded might have wrapped ourStolesas a Sasharound our waists, necks or elbows and left them to drape behind us throughout the reception and on into evening’s dancing.

In any and all stylish cases, the ever-popular Evening Stole WrapandEvening Shawlcome in many different forms, sizes and price ranges. Stoles of silk, silk satin, chiffon, organza or similar sheer materials are meant to provide a bit of warmth, though Fur StolesandEvening Shawls,the latter of which are often knitted, clearly provide more. TheSilk Stole Wraphas historically been paired with an evening gown or dress. These Silk Stole Wrapsfor evening are typically finished with a simple hem on either end, exuding elegance in being both light and sheer. Some individuals prefer to pair their Evening Stole Wrap with more casual fashion skirts and dresses since the Evening Stole Wrap will launch any attire into an elegant look for evening when teamed with dressy heels and accessories.

Triangular knit Lace Shawlsare usually knitted from the neck down and may or may not be shaped. ﻿Faroese Lace Shawls﻿historically are knitted bottom up and contain a center back gusset. Each shawl consists of two triangular side panels, a trapezoid-shaped back gusset, an edge treatment, and usually shoulder shaping.

On top of warmth, an EveningStole Wrapis often worn to show off a particular fabric, like silk satin, or fur. The major difference between Stoles and Shawls lies in the size, and the material. Stolesare usually rectangular, offering more width and length than a Scarf, while Shawls are more square in shape, offering extra width for a fuller, more extravagant envelope of the silhouette.

The first Shawls, or "Shals,"were part of traditional Persian costume in Achaemenid Persia worn by both males and females. Shawls were also part of the traditional costume in Kashmir, India, which was probably introduced via assimilation to Persian culture. They were woven in extremely fine woolen twill, some such as the ﻿Orenberg Shawl﻿, were even said to be so fine as to fit through a ring.

Kashmiri Shawlscame in two classes: they could be loom-woven in one color or in different colors (called tilikar or tiliwalla), and woven in one piece but more often sewn in small segments that are imperceptibly sewn together; or they could be ornately woven and embroidered (called ameli or amlikar). in which an intricate and elaborate pattern is stitched on top of plain pashmina wool.

Kashmiri Shawlsas high-fashion garments were brought to Western Europe in the early- to mid-19th century. Imitation Kashmiri Shawls woven in Paisley, Renfrewshire, Scotland are the origin of the name of the traditional paisley pattern. Shawls were also manufactured in the city of Norwich, Norfolk, England from the late 18th century (and some two decades before Paisley) until about the 1870s. TheKashmiri Shawlsfrom Asia maintained a pre-eminent place the world-over for their beauty and quality, particularly the Lightweight Wool Shawls, delicate Silk Shawls, and more sturdy Wool Shawls, however, it is due to their western imitations that Shawls took Europe by storm, replacing fibers like cotton and linen, thereby making it one of the most important accessory pieces in garment history.

The Kashmiri Shawlis characterized by the elaboration of its design, in which the "cone" pattern is a prominent feature, and by the glowing harmony, brilliance, depth, and enduring qualities of its colors. The basis of this richness is found in the very fine, soft, short, flossy under-wool, called pashm or pashmina, found on the shawl-goat, a variety of Capra hircus inhabiting the elevated regions of Tibet. There are several varieties of pashm, but the finest is a strict monopoly of the maharaja of Kashmir. India. Inferior pashm and Kirman wool - a fine soft Persian sheep's wool - are used for shawl weaving at Amritsar and other places in the Punjab of India, where colonies of Kashmiri weavers are established.

Kashmiri Shawlsreached their widest and most universal appeal in the West due to Napoleon’s conquests in Egypt and his alleged gifts of Shawls to Josephine, that galvanized their notoriety.

Silk Shawlswith fringes, made in China, were available by the first decade of the 19th century. Ones with embroidery and fringes were available in Europe and the Americas by 1820. These were called China Crepe Shawls, China Shawls, and in Spain " Mantones de Manila"because they were shipped to Spain from China via the port of Manila.

While the importance of Embroidered Shawlsin fashionable women's wardrobes declined between 1865 and 1870 in Western culture, they became part of folk dress in a number of places including Germany, the Near East, various parts of Latin America, and Spain where they became a part of gypsy dress - especially in Andalusia and Madrid. These Embroidered Shawls were revived in the 1920s under the name Spanish Shawls, a named derived from their use as part of the dress of Spanish Gypsies, also known as Gitanas. Their use as part of the costume of the lead in the opera Carmen contributed to the association of the Shawls with Spain rather than China.

Shawls are used today to keep warm, for added fashion to complement a costume, and for symbolic reasons at outdoor or indoor evening affairs where the temperature is not warm enough for women in sheer or off-shoulder dresses where a jacket might be inappropriate.

We have seen them on the runways, but of all the elements within designers’ bridal collections, it is the Stole in it’s many forms that is truly outstanding. Alongside the traditional Veil, the Stoleis irreplaceable for the bride who wants to feel like a fairy princess on her “I do” day.

This “must-have” gives a royal touch to the wedding - a princess allure that each of us look for on our big day. An elegant detail, light and sinuous, capable of enchanting our guests during the triumphant walk down the aisle. Short or long, the Stole WraporStoleCapeis present today in all variations, from tulle, lace, organza, and chiffon, in white, pastel, or stunningly bright colors. Extremely light, the Stole lends an elegant touch that gives fluency to the bride’s movements.

More sophisticated is theStole Wrapin embroidered or appliqued lace. TheStole Wrapbecomes an essential accessory for every respectable bride, useful to conceal jaw-dropping necklines or shoulders, and when the time is right, to uncover them and be able to enjoy the party. Truly infinite are the combinations of materials, from cashmere-silk blends for those who are always cold, to tulles that give soft volume to figures, to chiffons and silk satin for the most luxurious touch.

Reserved for true dreamers is the transparent and very delicate silk chiffon Stole Capethat enriches the shoulders with see-through grace and elegance. It is well- known that the details make the difference in elegance itself.

The elegant inspiration of a flowing Stoleas a ﻿formal wrap of expensive fabric wrapped around the shoulders over a long dress or ballgown, created from silk or natural fabric, and of a length long enough to be draped across either shoulders, or around arms or neck has survived in all cultures throughout the ages. ﻿

A Stole Wrapis typically narrower than a Shawl,and of simpler construction than a Stole Cape, and is typically worn loosely around the shoulders. Lighter materials such as silk and chiffon are simply finished or cropped, hemmed and bound. Heavier materials such as fur and brocade are typically lined. A SilkStoleis essentially a small version of a ladies’ Stole, made of silk. Though these garments or accessories aren’t always made of silk, they are typically manufactured with similar quality fabrics.

A Stolecan also meana fur or set of furs. For formal wear, a finished length of fur using pelts from more than one animal is worn over a suit, dress or gown. In this case, the word Stole stands alone or is used in combination: Fur Stole, Mink Stole. A Stole is typically narrower than a Cape or Wrap. TheFurStoleis kept fastened and held together at the front of the collar. Unlike a Silk StoleorShawl, which is wrapped loosely around a lady’s shoulders and occasionally the neck, a FurStoleis manufactured to fit the body more snugly

Similar to aShawl,the StoleCape typically uses more material length and covers more of the upper body. Also occasionally referred to as a Stole Wrap,theStole Cape is likely to be found in a wide array of materials and colors, but the most common type ofStole Cape is typically made of fur. Some popular dressy styles of Stole Capes might include ostrich feathers, marabou, or other material. The feathers can come in various colors, although black, brown and white are generally the most commonly seen.

In addition to making an elegant fashion statement, all types of Stoleshave been used to show respect while in a church or in a formal setting, such as for a Wedding, where it might be inappropriate to display bare shoulders or a low-cut gown.

Historically, Stoleswere considered ceremonial dress worn for special occasions or at formal events such as weddings, coronations, graduations, parades, religious rites and galas. Besides the Wedding Dress, throughout history the formal dress code of ceremonial dress has included the Ermine-lined Cloak,Crown and Septer of a King or Queen, Tribal Dress, Suit of Armor, Military Dress, Liturgical Robe, Graduation Gown, and Robe and Wig worn by British judges. The Stoleas an ecclesiastical vestment consisted of a narrow strip of silk or other material worn over the shoulders or, by deacons, over the left shoulder only, and arranged to hang down in front to the knee or below. The Stoleas a long robe was worn by the matrons of Ancient Rome.

The lithograph plate posted here showing a variety of ways of wearing shawls in early 19th-century France (ca. 1802-1814), is redrawn from various early 19th-century sources by Durin forAlbert CharlesAuguste Racinet's Le Costume Historique (1888),and shows the myriad, exquisite ways the Silk Stole Wrap has been worn over the ages.

You can admire the White Stole Collection for it’s curation and preservation of the design and craft of Vintage Stoles that otherwise we might never have access to so many years beyond their original creation. Yet, even more importantly, we can’t overlook the fact that the Vintage Wrapsin White Stole's collection were all worn by a special woman…whose initials are embroidered along the inside lining.

“Each and every Stole in our collection stands as a treasured memory of the life of the woman who wore it” Roberta, Stylist

The White Stole Collection is dedicated to all those across the globe who have toiled, now and before us, to make Couture Accessories in the time-honored tradition“by hand” and with “high quality sewing.”

Most Rental Bridal Wear is easily forgettable – unless you’re the girls who frequent White Stole’s Vintage Bridal Stole and Couture Silk Wrap Collection. These girls think of their LBD, or toned-down bridesmaid dresses as a blank canvas that can be decorated based on their age, frame of mind, or wedding theme.

They understand that the perfect accessory (one piece will do!) will give an immediate uplifting look, and add an air of couture luxury to the look of their wedding day. They know their wedding dress can be exceptional with the pleasure of wearing a One-of-a-kind VintageorCouture Stole Accessory that will bring treasured memories of their day for a lifetime.

What fashionable young and older women of today love like none-other is that fashion is NOT about the basics (unless your idea of a basic includes fur-lined collars and lapels on cashmere or silk wrapping your shoulders, arms or neck). It’s for the type of girls who are on the wait list at Fendi, Prada, Leonard Paris or Valentinoto be the first to view their trunk shows – whether they can afford the full-priced item, or must rush-off to search for last year’s edition. Girls who understand true quality as sticking to smaller, hard-to-find labels. Girls who loathe fast, cheap fashion and instead comb the back racks forAntique Treasures. Girls who tear pages from fashion and wedding magazines for later reference. Girls who truly know themselves.

Those of us who curate the White Stole Collection are devoted to recreating only the very best parts of what came before - right down to the vintage-inspired hatbox that one of our rental Stoles comes in. We understand, too, that a good part of the thrill in purchasing one of our Couture Wedding Accessories is that it will tell the story of our brides’ wedding day for the rest of their lifetime.

In New York, Maximilian, as well as David of New York, who worked with Capucciduring the time this Italian received the American Fashion Oscar in 1958, brought the love of Stoles to the American market even as it remained highly influenced by European Couturiers and Creatures. The Americans tried to widen their market by banking on simple models, in tone with the fashion of the times: shoulders became rounder, collars less deep, and large buttons appeared on Stoles by the end of the decade.

WithCapucci’s influence, garment borders formed romantic knots, a little Cape turned in cones that culminated at the shoulder, and a circular Stole hid a Bolero inside it. Jackets and full-length Stoles became a single mantle, and other ensembles had detachable skirts. These garments began to point to the move from the Fifties to the Sixties, confirming luxurious foreshadowing of the demystification of natural fur.

After the end of the war, the most beautiful women in the world from Gina Lollobrigida to Audrey Hepburn were seen in natural Stoles.Like the rest of fashion, natural Stoles ran along a double track for several seasonsthen their style would change - yet some constant features from the previous season always remained.

The informal elegance of the small-time Classic Boa Stoleset against a stunning evening gown began its ascent to couture fame as early as the 1940's. The trend toward lower-cost natural shoulder Stoles, with carefully thought-out embellishments and accessories, arose as a detail showing that the piece came from a famous Fashion-House - an Exclamation Point, of sorts, on a formal evening dress. This small accent-piece also acted as a down-payment in the early days of couture for those who could not otherwise afford the whole garment.

There were feather or fur Boaswhich either stood alone or were applied to tailor-mades as though they were Stoles, or were attached to countless hems forming borders to garments of all kinds. There were huge muffs that could be turned into a Bolero Stole, some with flares or bows at each end. In designing for evening, designers followed the clinging line of the long evening dress, determining the point of emphasis where the Stole was to be placed.

In celebration of White Stole's small, elegant Classic Boa Stole, which will be walking the runway of the 2014 Seattle Wedding Show, we are thrilled to extend our Special Invitation to all 2014 Seattle Wedding Show Attendees:"

Stolesbegan to be fashioned from every material type with exotic names ranging from Azurene﻿to Silverblu, all of which added to their attraction. In these years of anticipation of the boom, bodices became the target for all designers’ creative talents, and the designs were carried out in every material that happened to be the rage from one season to the other. This expression of elegance in luxurious outerwear shaped to the body became subject for a thousand variations in its meticulous details.

Stoles, Boleros, Jackets, Capes and Cloakswere, from the 1950'sinto the 1960's, essential to the elegant woman’s wardrobe. The Stole had made its definitive entrance into women’s fashion as the par excellence elegant female status symbol alongside Haute Couture.

Any study of fashion can not be separated from women’s fashion history and an understanding of the beginnings of Haute Coutureliterally meaning “high-quality sewing.” Paris had been the center of couture since the 19th Century when couture was transformed from a craft into business, and high art.

Women’s fashion had been put on ice during WWII from 1939 to 1944. During the occupation of Paris in 1940, many fashion houses were forced into war-related industries. The progress of the war made it necessary to prohibit all superfluous material and labor. America followed Britain in clothes rationing with L85 restrictions, promoting the approved” Victory Suit”with its narrow styling as being more practical and patriotic.

The Allied Nations were at a loss when Paris fell because they had looked to Paris as the World Capital of Fashion since the 17th Century. Despite materials rationing on both sides of the Atlantic, some 20 Parisian couture fashion houses violated the wartime silhouette during this time and continued to produce approximately 100 models per year – primarily for wealthy collaborators or for export to Germany. From Designers to Apprentices, the French declared they had fought to keep Parisian Couture alive because it represented a Parisian industry of prime importance, a means of employment…but most importantly, because it preserved Haute Couture in the eyes of the world.